HOLYOKE -- The grand opening of the Gary Rome Hyundai dealership on Whiting Farms Road tonight drew hundreds of local and state officials to event that included live music and food stations to a 19-acre site that officially opened Aug. 29.

"It's been a really great turnout," Rome said. "We've had over 300 people."

Rome said that after the months of government hearings and permit-seeking from city boards, he wanted to hold the grand opening of the dealership to note the success of the business, which he said has increased at the new site.

"We're so excited with the result that I wanted to share the experience," Rome said.

The dealership includes a state motor vehicle inspection station, employee-drive golf carts to show customers the vehicle stock, on-site car wash and a pledge from Rome that phones will be answered by people and not machines.